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Three People Shot In New Year's Morning Robbery

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A mother, son, and family friend from South Miami-Dade all spent New Year's Day in the hospital after police say three gunmen on bicycles violently interrupted a New Year's Eve party.

It happened just after 3 a.m.

Miami-Dade police Det. Alvaro Zabaleta said a New Year's party was just wrapping up and 46-year old Armando Pereira was standing in front of his home at 13416 SW 270th Terrace when three armed men rode up on bikes and robbed him of his gold chain. They then forced him inside to go to the backyard where some of Pereira's guests were talking.

One of the guests, 37-year old Sergio Cardenas Jr., got into a fight with one of the armed robbers and two fell into the pool. That's when a second armed robber began shooting at Cardenas in the pool.

"He was the one who defended the family," said Cardenas' brother, Atonio, adding, "He wasn't trying to protect his property he was afraid that actually his kid was there everybody was there."

Zabaleta said Cardenas' mother, 61-year old Nereda Morera, went after the shooter and was shot in the abdomen and thigh.

"I guess the motherly instincts of seeing somebody shooting at her son was forced her to confront the second subject that was shooting at him and resulted in her being shot as well," said Zabaleta.

William Kirk, Cardenas' next door neighbor, visited his friends in the hospital Wednesday afternoon. "Sergio, my neighbor, has one bullet in the right shoulder possible internal bleeeding. Jayeski [Placencia] another friend of mine, he has a bullet in each one of his feet," he explained.

He said both Cardenas and Placencia needed surgery for their injuries. They and Morera are all expected to recover.

Pereira was not injured.

After taking jewelry, the gunmen rode off on their bikes.

If you have any information about this crime call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.

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